What constitutes Employment in Labour of a Child in England & Wales

Question

In 1883, a Requisition for a certified copy of birth for the purposes of the Elementary Education Act, 1876 was made for a youth born in 1872. Given he was 11, would the request have been for Elementary Education or Employment of Labour of a Child? What resources could I consult, to follow this up?

Answer 1

Given the overlapping impact of the Factory Act of 1833 and the Elementary Education Act 1876, it is possible that the certificate would serve both purposes. It would show that he could be employed (because he was over 8) and that he was to continue to receive (part-time) education (since he was under 14).

The following comes from an archived discussion concerning The Elementary Education Act 1876 Birth Certificate at http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=vptvs8lpum7iehkieenjil46o6&action=printpage;topic=323992.0.

A list of purposes for which cheap Birth Certificates could be issued under the Elementary Education or Factory and Workshop Acts, as drawn up by the Registrar-General. It was not to be considered as a complete list of applicable cases. From the Registrar General’s Instructions to Registration Officers 1926.

1) To effect the removal of a child from an Elementary School to an Industrial School or Reformatory.
2) To enable a child in an Elementary School to be apprenticed as a Pupil Teacher.
3) To enable a boy to attend an examination for the situation of Dockyard Apprentice or Engineering Student.
4) To enable a boy to enter the service of the General Post Office as Telegraph Messenger.
5) To enable a boy to enter the Stamping Department of the Inland Revenue, Somerset House.
6) To prove the age of a child taking part in a Pantomime or other entertainment in a Theatre or Music Hall.
7) For admission to an Orphanage or other Charitable Institution in which Elementary Education is given.
8 ) For admission to a School of Domestic Economy. 9) Under the Elementary Education Act for the purposes of Junior County Exhibitions or of Higher Elementary Education.

I am unable to confirm the truth of the (claimed) source in "Instructions to Registration Officers". Any searches made on the phrases in the list seem to lead back to the same person (but no "proof").